Hawai‘i Community Foundation Announces New CEO

The Hawai‘i Community Foundation announced today that Micah Kāne will be the new chief executive officer beginning July 1.

Micah Kane will be the new CEO of HCF starting July 1, 2017. Photo Courtesy

The current CEO, Kelvin Taketa, will work with Kāne on the transition over the next two months and will then serve as a part-time Senior Fellow, working on strategic initiatives for HCF.

Taketa announced his intent to step down last December. Since his announcement, the HCF’s Board of Governors formed an executive search committee comprised of HCF board members and former HCF board chairs, along with assistance from Inkinen & Associates, to conduct a national open search.

“While we were blessed with great interest and good candidates, Micah was the unanimous choice of the Board,” said Deborah K. Berger, chair of HCF’s Board of Governors. “For the past 19 years under Kelvin’s leadership, HCF has made an incredible impact in Hawai‘i. Now, as HCF moves forward into its next century, we’re confident that Micah’s proven leadership and deep knowledge of and passion for the organization and our community will lead HCF to new heights.”

Since joining HCF in January 2016, Kāne has served as president and chief operating officer leading the executive team and day-to-day operations.

Kāne has a strong background in both the private and public sectors. He served as the COO at Pacific Links International, helping to grow both local and international operations for the company. He was also chairman of the Hawaiian Homes Commission and Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and oversaw many important development projects to increase access to home ownership for Native Hawaiians.

Currently, he serves as a Trustee for Kamehameha Schools and a Board of Director with Hawaiian Electric Company. Kāne is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools and Menlo College, and he received his MBA from the University of Hawai‘i.

“I’m humbled and honored to be entrusted as HCF’s new leader,” said Kāne. “I look forward to partnering with Kelvin to ensure a smooth transition and working with our exceptional Board of Governors and staff to ensure that HCF remains a pillar in our community and an innovator for creating sustainable positive change in Hawai‘i.”

“These are exciting times for HCF and under Micah’s direction, I know the Foundation’s reach will grow, creating an even greater benefit for our state,” said Taketa. “It’s been my privilege and joy to work over these years with such generous, passionate people who care about making a difference. I look forward to my new role as a Senior Fellow at HCF and have the utmost confidence that Micah, along with the Board and team, are committed to seeing that the Foundation continue to be a leader and convener in the community to create a better Hawai‘i.”

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